Thinking Like Fidel Castro

Background

• Story shared by a high school classmate of Fidel Castro.
• Setting: Catholic all-boys high school in Eastern Cuba.

The Bicycle Game

• Objective: Be the last person standing, bloodied, without padding, crashing into a brick wall.
• Game Characteristics:
  • Bicycle set at a distance from a brick wall.
  • Riders must crash into the wall.
  • Last bloodied person standing is the winner.
• Outcome: Fidel Castro never lost the game.
  • Willing to crash repeatedly, even risking death.
  • Demonstrated relentless determination.

Fidel Castro's Leadership

• Applied same relentless approach to leadership.
• Became leader of Revolutionary Cuba on January 1, 1959.

Cuban Missile Crisis

• Last weekend of the crisis: Castro questioned Khrushchev's resolve.
• Khrushchev turned ships around at quarantine line, perceived as lack of courage.
• Castro's perspective: willing to go to extremes for socialism, even nuclear war.

Communication with Khrushchev

• Letter to Khrushchev: Encouraged not to worry about Cuban sacrifice.
  • Willing to martyr for world socialism.
  • Hoped Khrushchev would attack the US in case of invasion.

Khrushchev's Response

• Unexpected response questioning Fidel’s sanity.
• Disappointment for Castro.
• Khrushchev would have been seen as a "chicken" in the bicycle game.
• Realization that Soviets were retreating and the Americans were advancing.

Reflection

• The story illustrates Castro’s relentless and extreme commitment.
• Highlights the difference in mindset between Castro and other leaders like Khrushchev.